Hoi An Night Market – Food, Shopping & Souvenir Must-Try List (Complete 2026 Travel Guide)

When the sun goes down in Hoi An Ancient Town, the streets transform into a magical world of glowing lanterns, bustling food stalls, and lively markets. Among the most exciting places to explore after sunset is the Hoi An Night Market, a vibrant shopping and street-food paradise that attracts thousands of visitors every evening.

Located just across the river from the old town, the night market offers travelers a perfect mix of local street food, handmade souvenirs, colorful lanterns, and authentic Vietnamese culture. Walking through the market is like stepping into a festival where every corner offers something interesting to taste, buy, or photograph.

In this complete guide, you’ll discover:

• Where the Hoi An Night Market is located

• Opening hours and best time to visit

• The best street foods you must try

• Popular souvenirs to buy

• Photo spots near the market

• Helpful tips to avoid tourist traps

Where Is Hoi An Night Market?

The main night market is located on Nguyen Hoang Street, on An Hoi Island, just a short walk from the historic center of Hoi An Ancient Town.

Visitors usually cross the charming An Hoi Bridge from the old town to reach the market. The location is incredibly convenient, making it easy to combine a night market visit with lantern sightseeing and riverside dining.

The market stretches for about 300 meters and contains more than 50–100 stalls, selling everything from street food and souvenirs to handmade lanterns and clothing.

Nearby attractions include:

• Thu Bon River

• Lantern streets in the old town

• Riverside cafés and bars

• Boat rides with floating lanterns

Because of its central location, the night market is often one of the busiest and most exciting places in Hoi An after dark.

Hoi An Night Market Opening Hours

The market operates every evening:

Opening time: around 5:00 PM
Closing time: about 10:30 PM – 11:00 PM

Best time to visit

The most enjoyable time is usually between:

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

During these hours:

• Lanterns glow brightly

• Street performances appear

• Food stalls are fully open

• The market atmosphere is most lively

If you want less crowd and better photos, arrive around 6:00 PM.

What Makes Hoi An Night Market Special?

Unlike large night markets in other Asian cities, the Hoi An Night Market has a cozy and charming atmosphere.

Highlights include:

• Hundreds of colorful silk lanterns

• Local street food stalls

• Handmade crafts and souvenirs

• Street musicians and performers

• Lantern-lit streets perfect for photography

The market also reflects the culture of Central Vietnam, where traditional craftsmanship and food traditions are still preserved.

Must-Try Street Food at Hoi An Night Market

One of the biggest reasons travelers visit the night market is street food. You’ll find dozens of small stalls selling delicious Vietnamese snacks at very affordable prices.

Here are some must-try dishes.

1. Banh Mi Hoi An (Vietnamese Baguette)

Hoi An is widely considered one of the best places in Vietnam for banh mi.

The sandwich features:

• Crispy Vietnamese baguette

• Grilled pork or chicken

• Fresh herbs

• Pickled vegetables

• Homemade chili sauce

Prices usually range between 20,000 – 40,000 VND.

Many visitors consider it one of the best street foods in Vietnam.

2. Banh Xeo – Vietnamese Crispy Pancake

Banh Xeo is a savory pancake made from rice flour, turmeric, shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.

The pancake is cut into pieces and wrapped in rice paper with herbs before dipping into fish sauce.

Typical price:

40,000 – 70,000 VND

It’s crunchy, flavorful, and fun to eat.

3. Grilled Seafood Skewers

Because Hoi An is a coastal town, seafood is very popular.

Common grilled items include:

• Squid skewers

• Shrimp

• Scallops

• Grilled fish

These are cooked over charcoal and served with spicy sauces.

Prices range from 30,000 – 80,000 VND.

4. Sweet Coconut Pancakes

A favorite dessert among travelers.

These mini pancakes are made with:

• Coconut milk

• Rice flour

• Sugar and coconut fillings

They are soft and slightly crispy.

Price:

20,000 – 30,000 VND

5. Mango Cake (Banh Xoai)

Despite the name, this dessert usually does not contain mango.

It’s made from sticky rice dough filled with sweet peanuts and sugar.

Price:

10,000 – 20,000 VND

It’s a simple but delicious local snack.

Souvenirs You Should Buy at Hoi An Night Market

Besides food, the market is famous for handmade souvenirs and local crafts.

Here are the most popular items.

1. Hoi An Lanterns

Lanterns are the symbol of Hoi An.

Visitors can find:

• Silk lanterns

• Foldable travel lanterns

• Decorative lanterns

Prices range from:

100,000 – 500,000 VND

Many travelers buy them as souvenirs.

2. Handmade Jewelry

Many stalls sell handmade accessories such as:

• Silver bracelets

• Shell necklaces

• Wooden jewelry

Prices start around 50,000 VND.

3. Bamboo and Rattan Bags

Eco-friendly bags made from natural materials are very popular.

You can find:

• Straw handbags

• Beach baskets

• Handmade purses

Prices:

80,000 – 300,000 VND

4. Leather Goods

Some stalls sell handcrafted leather products such as:

• Wallets

• Belts

• Passport holders

These items are popular gifts for travelers.

Best Photo Spots Near Hoi An Night Market

The night market area is one of the most photogenic places in Hoi An.

Here are the top photography spots.

Lantern Street

Rows of colorful lanterns create magical nighttime photos.

Thu Bon River

The reflections of lantern lights on the river are stunning.

Lantern Boat Area

Visitors can release floating lanterns on the river for good luck.

An Hoi Bridge

This small bridge offers one of the best views of the old town at night.

Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps

The night market is fun, but here are some tips to improve your experience.

Compare prices

Some stalls sell the same items, so check a few before buying.

Bargain politely

Negotiation is common in Vietnamese markets. You can usually reduce prices by 10–20%.

Watch your belongings

Because the market gets crowded, keep your valuables safe.

Visit earlier for photos

Arriving around 6 PM helps you avoid the largest crowds.

How to Get to Hoi An Night Market

If you stay in Hoi An Old Town, the market is just 5–10 minutes walking distance.

However, many visitors travel from Da Nang, which is about 30 km away.

The easiest way to reach Hoi An is by private car transfer, which takes about 40–45 minutes.

Private transfers offer:

• Hotel pickup

• Comfortable vehicles

• Flexible schedule

• English-speaking drivers

This is the most convenient option for travelers visiting Hoi An in the evening.

Final Thoughts

Visiting the Hoi An Night Market is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Hoi An. The colorful lanterns, lively atmosphere, delicious street food, and countless handmade souvenirs create a unique evening that perfectly reflects the charm of this historic town. Whether you come for the food, the shopping, or simply to enjoy the vibrant nightlife, the market offers something for every traveler.

To make the most of your trip, it’s a good idea to explore more about the town before arriving. You can start by reading this detailed travel guide about Hoi An Ancient Town:
https://danangtransfer.vn/en/hoi-an-ancient-town-guide-tickets-must-see-spots-hidden-gems-photography-tips/

If you’re planning your schedule, this itinerary guide can help you organize your time efficiently:
https://danangtransfer.vn/en/hoi-an-itinerary-1-4-days-lantern-town-beaches-unforgettable-day-trips/

Understanding the local weather will also help you choose the best travel period:
https://danangtransfer.vn/en/best-time-to-visit-hoi-an-weather-flood-season-festivals-complete-travel-guide/

For those visiting during the magical lantern celebration, check out this complete guide:
https://danangtransfer.vn/en/hoi-an-lantern-festival-guide-dates-tickets-photo-spots-travel-tips/

While exploring the town, you might also want to experience some of the unique activities nearby:

• Discover the best coffee spots:
  https://danangtransfer.vn/en/best-cafes-hidden-coffee-corners-in-hoi-an/

• Try a traditional basket boat ride:
  https://danangtransfer.vn/en/hoi-an-coconut-boat-ride-price-best-time-how-to-avoid-tourist-traps/

• Learn Vietnamese cuisine at a cooking class:
  https://danangtransfer.vn/en/hoi-an-cooking-classes-best-schools-price-comparison-guide/

• Visit the nearby beaches and compare them:
  https://danangtransfer.vn/en/an-bang-beach-vs-cua-dai-beach-which-beach-in-hoi-an-should-you-choose/

• Shop for custom-made clothes with confidence:
  https://danangtransfer.vn/en/hoi-an-tailor-shops-price-guide-how-to-choose-a-good-tailor-detailed-guide/

Finally, if you need comfortable transportation to explore the region, you can book a reliable private car service here:
https://danangtransfer.vn/en/hoian-private-car/

With the right planning, your evening at the Hoi An Night Market will become one of the highlights of your Vietnam journey — filled with great food, beautiful lanterns, and unforgettable memories. ✨